NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
PROPOSES MODERNIZATION OF COOPERATIVE WEATHER OBSERVER PROGRAM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Cooperative
Weather Observer Program, which dates back to the times of
Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, must be modernized to
keep pace with its critical mission to the weather forecast process,
the head of NOAA's National
Weather Service said. The 11,700 volunteers in this program
provide the only national source of temperature and precipitation
data essential to accurate weather forecasts and the development
and verification of U.S. climate prediction models.

"For some time, our observers have
supported us, despite substandard equipment," Kelly said.
"Using funds we received in FY 2001, we will be able to
start replacing some of this outdated equipment. But the modernization
initiative is a broader plan that will need additional funds
if we are to maintain the viability of this important program."

As part of this broad based initiative,
the National Weather Service is coordinating an interagency project
to carry out network studies to identify weather and climate
requirements of NOAA, its
federal partners, and its constituents. The recommended improvements
would be implemented during an eight-year period.

Each day, more than 11,700 volunteers provide
the surface observations that are key in improving short term
weather forecasts, give early warning of severe weather events,
provide early notice of developing situations with life-threatening
potential, help establish climatological records, and also play
a critical role in better long range climate predictions.

"The Weather Service couldn't get
along without the cooperative observers," Kelly said. "It's
important to recognize that even with our sophisticated technology,
satellite data, remote sensing systems and the supercomputer,
people are still the key factor in providing accurate and timely
weather forecasts."